208-325 Applied Animal Reproduction

This subject involves the use of animals. Students should be aware that this is an essential part of the subject and exemption from this component is not possible.

Credit cannot be gained for 208-325 and any of 654-314 (pre 2005), 654-324 and 654-304.

202-103 Biology for Land and Food Resources or 650-141 Biology of Cells and Organisms; 208-202 Animal Physiology.

The aim of this subject is to give students of animal science and management the fundamentals of applied reproductive biology and to develop the skills necessary for the management of reproductive performance of domestic animals. The content includes comparative structure and function of male and female reproductive organs; endocrinology and neuro-endocrinology of reproductive cycles; mating, fertilisation, pregnancy, parturition and lactation; environmental control of reproduction, nutrition-reproduction interactions, seasonality, and stress and behaviour; use of exogenous hormones to manipulate reproduction; reproductive biotechnologies including embryo transfer; and manipulating male reproduction.

On completion of this subject students should:

• understand the comparative structure and function of male and female reproductive systems;

• understand the endocrine and neuroendocrine control of reproductive cycles;

• understand factors affecting reproduction and reproductive potential, and the importance of appropriate management of domestic animals for optimising reproductive performance; and

• understand, and be able to apply, techniques, including new and emerging technologies, for modifying reproductive performance.

One problem-based learning project with assessment (15% of final marks), laboratory work, worksheets and up to three written practical report of not more than 1000 words each (35%), one written essay or short-answer style examination of up to 3 hours (50% of final marks).

• M H Johnson and B J Everitt, Essential Reproduction. 5th edn., Blackwells.